Celebrating 127 years of Excellence in producing multi-talented citizens in the Nation

 “In Scientia et Virtute”
It has always been the motto of the College, to maintain Josephian excellence in body, mind and spirit. Priority has always been given to value-based education in order to achieve  ‘Excellence in Education’ thus promoting spiritual and human values, thereby producing good citizens possessing knowledge, skills and aptitude to serve the community in the public and private sectors, in professions and self-employments besides to serve the Motherland.

 History
The College was founded in 1896 by French Missionaries led by Rev. Fr. Christopher Ernest Bonjean, O.M.I, which stands tall today as one of the leading Schools in Sri Lanka. 

No event at St. Joseph’s College is complete without a reference to Archbishop Christopher Ernest Bonjean because he was instrumental in launching the idea of the need for a Catholic College. He did not live to see his dream realised. However, he had appointed for the project, men who knew his mind and his plan and were capable of implementing them. They were Rev. Fathers Charles Collin and Charles Lytton. Subsequently, they became the First and the Second Rectors of St. Joseph’s College respectively. 

 Celebration 
Today, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 celebrates its 127 years of excellence in Academic, Sports, Extra Curricular activities and Spiritual upliftment and thereby producing a galaxy of multi-talented Josephians, who have created ideas that changed the way people learn, live, work and play for the betterment of our Motherland and the universe. But we believe the best of our abilities lies ahead of us. It is for this reason; we constantly challenge ourselves in the process. 

 The Secret of Success 
 The educators of the college always strive to impart knowledge, instil values, inculcate positive attitudes, develop, sharpen and inspire young minds and transform young Josephian’s as multi-talented exemplary leaders and valuable citizens to our proud nation and the globe.

We are at a pivotal point in Josephian’s rich history. We are unusually indebted to all our Reverend  Father Rectors, administrators and teachers who have inspired and guided us to be ideal Josephians and citizens of our Motherland. Much of our accomplishments in our lives have come from our association with them.
We can best pay our debt to our Alma Mater by building a better future for new generations on the framework our forebears established.

 Values
Values give direction to our behaviour, and put meaning into our existence. The values we hold necessarily blossom forth into action and shape our lives. Education forms develop and reshape values. By the teaching of national traditions, cultural heritage, and civic sense in the classroom situation, children learn how values are shaped. When the student learns to be obedient, diligent and conscientious, there is a genuine growth of values. Through curricular and co-curricular activities, the school must positively promote values. In the higher forms; through literary associations, ’interact’ clubs and other societies, a democratic milieu must be fostered by group discussions and critical evaluation of facts. The students must follow the “Triangle of duties”, in other words, Respect, Obedience and Responsibility (ROR) to fulfil the students’ motto to lead disciplined and successful lives in this challenging world.

The school must not only concern itself with a creative extension of knowledge but be engaged in total quality development of Personality.

Considering the above facts, the Josephians are humbled, honoured and privileged to have had the total quality development of Personality by being the students of this sacred Educational Institute.

Appreciations
It is with great joy, happiness and gratitude, we wish to congratulate and sincerely thank our Shepherd, present Rector and the President of the Old Boys’ Union, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi for his visionary, vibrant and dynamic leadership, guidance, values, immense valuable sermons during the holy masses, wisdom, motivation, inspiration, Devotion to duty, counsel, Daily prayers thereby maintaining the high standards of the Students, Teachers and the staff besides the college. We are greatly indebted to our Reverend Father Rectors and teachers past and present for their noble and yeomen services rendered toward the success of our students and college besides helping and guiding the students to have a brighter future in their lives.

We are delighted to note that the past values instilled throughout our opulent heritage and history have been perpetuated in students to date.

We wish Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector and Principal, Reverend Fathers and Reverend sisters, administrators, educators, Masters and Teachers in charge of the respective associations and teams, coaches, the staff including the Clerical staff, Josephians the young and the old in Sri Lanka and overseas, parents, well-wishers as well as the newcomers who will join us and commence their journey towards their academic lives, success in their current and future endeavours.

Let us continue to dedicate ourselves to work towards building a better future for our young Josephians and young Sri Lankans in order to make our Motherland regain its name as a “Paradise Island.” 

  (The writer was the Former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Blue and White Newsletter Committee, An Editorial Board Member of the Centenary and Millennium Blue and White Magazine Committee, A former member of the Association of “Josephian Blues” and the Founder President of Josephian Group of 88’).